Studying abroad in Spain was a wonderful, growing, once-in a lifetime experience. Past Review
By Gloria K (Accounting and Marketing, Trinity University) for
Saint Louis University Campus in Madrid / SLU-Madrid
I felt like I grew individually, spiritually, and emotionally.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was reasonable. The teachers used a system known as blackboard to post assignments, power points, solutions and course work materials that was rather useful. All the teachers were passionate about the subjects they taught so it was interesting to learn from them. Also the classes were great because they were taught in an international setting by experienced professionals. In addition to this I felt as though they were hands-on. Lastly, the teachers were also very understanding about the fact that I was studying abroad and therefore may miss a class so I could travel. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The school had an office dedicated to helping study abroad students. It consisted of locals so they were extremely knowledgeable about the country, and the school. The program had 50 to 100 students. SLU-Madrid is an American University based in Madrid, therefore its operation was similar to that of an American higher education program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with one other girl in the apartment. She provided me and my roommate with breakfast and dinner as well as snacks. My senora's apartment was only 15 minutes away from school. It was also surrounded by shops, restaurants, bars, a park, and the metro. I was treated really well by my senora, better than a guest. She showed real concern towards me. |
| * Food: |
My senora was an excellent cook! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was in an oceanography class that arranged a trip to Alicante that was both educational and fun. Also my program arranged trips to various cities in Spain that were educational and fun as well. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
During orientation we were advised on how to be safe in the country. The school also provided us with health insurance and counseling services as well as numbers for an emergency number. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I'd advice students to create a budget and stick to it. As well as save up money because more often that not, fun opportunities present themselves where spending money is required. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Traveling is really expensive. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I lived with a senora who only spoke Spanish and it was with her that I practiced my language skills. Also, a majority of the people in Madrid only spoke Spanish and therefore I had daily interactions with locals in Spanish. The school provided intercambios, which were programs where Spaniards could practice their English and study abroad students could practice their Spanish. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | A person who is interested in learning Spanish, but who doesn't want to take classes in Spanish. Also someone who wants to travel inside Spain and all over Europe. I'd also recommend this program if you'd like to meet locals, Americans and people from all over the world. |
